[Voe]

A question to those who have the FA* 24mm..
How does FA* 24mm perform on a K5 at medium distance (between 3 to 5 meters) wide open and stopped down ?

I've searched the forum for any references, but all I could find is samples at close distance. Would be grateful if you can also post some photos.

I'm split between the FA 31mm Limited and the FA* 24mm f/2 lenses. I know the FA 31mm Limited is an excellent lens, but would like something wider and as fast or thereabout.

Thanks,

Voe

[Adam]

The FA* 24mm is good, but not stellar when it comes to sharpness close to wide-open. I would get the 31mm over it unless you really need it to be wider.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-Star-24mm-F2-Lens.html

[twitch]

I own the K-5, FA*24 & FA31, so my opinion FWIW is that the FA31 has better IQ than the FA*24, but then the FA31 has better IQ than any other Pentax lens I've ever used.

I see you're in Melbourne, if you work/study in the CBD then maybe a lunchtime lens try-out could be arranged, PM me if you want.

[selar]

I chose to get the FA 20/2.8 over the FA* 24/2 as its sharp from wide open and wider. Its neither a Limited nor a * but costs about the same. It was the widest Full frame AF lens made by Pentax, though.

I also have Lance B's FA 31, its a brilliant lens, but its not as wide as I would like sometimes.

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Last edited by selar; 04-25-2012 at 08:29 PM.

[thickeyebrow]

I have both FA*24 and FA31, FA31 has the edge over FA*24 in terms of IQ and bokeh and build quality, FA*24 has sharp center @2.8 but soft corners even when stopping down, but by no means it is a inferior lens, it just has different characteristics. If I were you choosing between these two, I would go for FA31 and DA21 or DA15 to go wider.